Hey everyone,
We've been investigating reports of crashes and instability on systems using Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, particularly in high-performance applications. After working closely with affected users and conducting extensive tests, we've confirmed that the problem stems from these CPUs, specifically, certain cores running at unusually high voltages and clock speeds, leading to system instability.
Yes, users of these CPU models have reported crashes in demanding applications, including games and 3D rendering software like Lumion. In fact, several users have reported the exact same crashing issue in Lumion with identical CPU models.
Intel is aware of the issue and has been actively working on a fix by rolling out microcode updates via BIOS patches to address the power delivery and stability concerns. These updates must be installed through your motherboard manufacturer’s BIOS update.
For all Intel® Core™ 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users:
Until the BIOS fix is available for your system, here are some steps that may help stabilize your CPU and reduce crashes:
1. Limit the Maximum Processor State to 99% and Disable Processor Performance Boost. The webpage below explains how to do this:
2. Now, in the PC's BIOS settings, make sure to also:
Since these adjustments involve BIOS settings, overclocking profiles, and hardware-level modifications, we highly recommend that you consult a qualified technician if you are unsure how to proceed. Making incorrect changes in BIOS could lead to additional system instability.
Other than this, there's nothing we can do from our side to resolve the hardware problem.
Important: If these steps don’t resolve the problem, contact Intel support to request a CPU replacement.
For more details, check out these resources:
Intel’s Official Statements:
Reports on Intel’s 13th/14th Gen CPU Issues:
We’re keeping a close eye on this issue and will update this post if we get new information. If you’re facing this problem, please report your experience and contact us at technical support to help us track the impact and potential fixes.
To help get things underway please attach to your request the DXDiag Report (using Step 3 Windows):
Also, download and run CPU-Z to gather detailed information about your processor. Attach a screenshot of the CPU tab.
We know this isn’t ideal, and we appreciate your patience. If you need any help, feel free to ask.
We've been investigating reports of crashes and instability on systems using Intel 13th and 14th Gen CPUs, particularly in high-performance applications. After working closely with affected users and conducting extensive tests, we've confirmed that the problem stems from these CPUs, specifically, certain cores running at unusually high voltages and clock speeds, leading to system instability.
What’s Happening?
- In a recent call with a user experiencing crashes, we monitored CPU behavior and found certain cores spiking in voltage and speed, triggering the issue.
- A temporary workaround that worked for this user was using Processor Affinity to set Lumion to use a specific (stable) CPU core. However, this is not a long-term fix, other cores may degrade over time, causing further issues. (You’re welcome to try this method, but we cannot guarantee it will work in all cases.)
- Since this is a hardware issue, the best solution is to contact Intel for a CPU replacement.
Is This Affecting Lumion & Other Applications?
Yes, users of these CPU models have reported crashes in demanding applications, including games and 3D rendering software like Lumion. In fact, several users have reported the exact same crashing issue in Lumion with identical CPU models.
Intel’s Official Response & BIOS Updates
Intel is aware of the issue and has been actively working on a fix by rolling out microcode updates via BIOS patches to address the power delivery and stability concerns. These updates must be installed through your motherboard manufacturer’s BIOS update.
For all Intel® Core™ 13th/14th Gen desktop processor users:
- Intel has released the 0x12B microcode update, which must be loaded via a BIOS update.
- This update has been distributed to system and motherboard manufacturers, and Intel is urging them to validate and roll it out as soon as possible, though this process may take several weeks.
- Users should check their motherboard manufacturer’s website or Intel’s Product Compatibility Tool for the latest BIOS versions:
Intel’s Processor Diagnostic Tool
What Can You Do?
Until the BIOS fix is available for your system, here are some steps that may help stabilize your CPU and reduce crashes:
1. Limit the Maximum Processor State to 99% and Disable Processor Performance Boost. The webpage below explains how to do this:
- External Link: Quickly turn turbo boost on or off in Windows
2. Now, in the PC's BIOS settings, make sure to also:
- Disable XMP.
- Set the motherboard to use the settings dictated by the CPU (there should be a profile in the motherboard settings with the default manufacturer speeds and voltages).
- Disable any Overclocking on the CPU or change to a profile that doesn't overclock.
- Disable Intel Extreme Tuning.
- Check if your BIOS version includes Intel’s 0x129 microcode fix (contact your PC manufacturer for details)
Since these adjustments involve BIOS settings, overclocking profiles, and hardware-level modifications, we highly recommend that you consult a qualified technician if you are unsure how to proceed. Making incorrect changes in BIOS could lead to additional system instability.
Other than this, there's nothing we can do from our side to resolve the hardware problem.
Important: If these steps don’t resolve the problem, contact Intel support to request a CPU replacement.
- External Link: Contact Intel for Your Support Solutions
External Links & Sources
For more details, check out these resources:
Intel’s Official Statements:
- External Link: Intel’s Statement on Raptor Lake CPU Stability
- External Link: Intel’s BIOS Update Information
- External Link: Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen Desktop Instability Root Cause Update
Reports on Intel’s 13th/14th Gen CPU Issues:
- External Link: Intel’s crashing 13th and 14th Gen Raptor Lake CPUs
- External Link: Intel’s 'Raptor Lake' Desktop CPU Bug
- External Link: Intel Still Working to Fix Raptor Lake Problems
- External Link: Intel 13th and 14th Gen 'Raptor Lake' instability troubles
What’s Next?
We’re keeping a close eye on this issue and will update this post if we get new information. If you’re facing this problem, please report your experience and contact us at technical support to help us track the impact and potential fixes.
- Knowledge Base: Contact Lumion Technical Support
To help get things underway please attach to your request the DXDiag Report (using Step 3 Windows):
- Knowledge Base: How do you provide a Diagnostics Report?
Also, download and run CPU-Z to gather detailed information about your processor. Attach a screenshot of the CPU tab.
We know this isn’t ideal, and we appreciate your patience. If you need any help, feel free to ask.